What do you value most, family, friends, time, jewelry, prayer, time with God?
After having my first child for the first couple years he was my life- my absolute priority, it was stressful at times, I couldn’t let go of him being my #1- I even struggled with leaving him just to go to the movies. I felt as though I would be ‘short’ of a good mom if I left my son. It became so overwhelming, every second of everyday. If you are a mother you can understand this, if not yet, I am sure you will understand this one day, I don’t know any of my mom friends who have not struggled with needing a break at one time or another. When I finally sought God for help and strength—my eyes were completely opened to the fact that God has to come before my kids, before my husband and yes, even before my time.
Having a baby is a huge adjustment not only for me as a person but also affecting my relationship with my husband and definitely altering the amount of time I had. Let me explain a little. I was completely crazy about leaving my son – I wouldn’t do it, I think he was 6 months before I ever left him… just to go to the movies- not even dinner just movies because both would be to long away from him. Now, what I can look back on, is that I needed to trust God more.
I needed to learn to trust him that he would take care of Elijah. This has been a great growing journey for me, even as I had my second child the tendency was to return but I know and have learned to put my absolute faith in God to take care and watch over my children. This was extremely difficult when Elijah started preschool, I found my strength in God alone! Elijah only went 3 days a week for 2 hours… but the first day on the way to preschool God whispered ever so sweetly , pray for him before he goes into the classroom. Not before you get out of the car or leave the house but right before he goes in.
We were fortunate enough to find a wonderful Christian preschool which began to walk along side us as parents—teaching Gods love into a daily lifestyle. I walked away from dropping him off that day in tears but with an amazing amount of peace. God than began to say, “seek first MY kingdom, ask and you shall receive.” (Matt 6:33 Matt 7:8) It’s amazing! God’s words come about at the exact right time. So needless to say everyday there after I knew I walked away leaving Elijah with Gods words and knowing I had a God who was faithful to a mom who trusted in God to watch over and protect. I have continued this tradition, that God envisioned on my family, thru kindergarten, babysitting in anything… my heart rejoices when Elijah ask me, “Mom you are going to pray with us right?” He may be 5 but I believe that God has ensured Him with the peace of knowing He is there watching over them as well.
As my journey of trust began to be instilled, not only in me and with my kids – but my relationships, and our finances and ever little aspect we don’t think of everyday, it began to pour out into my children and out of everything we say, think or do - trust God.
This is always something I knew but until I went through my rude awakening and began to LIVE IT—Is when I truly found the peace that comes from God alone. I still worry at times; it’s a part of who I am as a mother, but I am no longer burdened with the weight of ‘worry.’ I love the lesson of worrying in Matthew 6 but one verse that sticks out in my mind from the message version is Matthew 6:27 Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?
I DEFINITELY HAVE NOT GROWN from worrying, probably have gotten shorter from the weight of the burden on me!
I hope I have inspired a thought in you to allow God to help you Live it out LOUD.
When God say trust me, do you? OR run to everything else first???
*Spoilers to “The Book of Eli”
ReplyDeleteAn example that is recently fresh in my mind of passion down to my children through actions is…..The book of Eli, *SPOILER* The whole movie was about this corrupt guy who wanted the book that the noble character Eli had—“the bible". The villain (corrupt guy) knew he could twist people into listening to him if he had the great words from the bible, even though his action were not loving in any way shape or form....LONG STORY SHORT - he finally got the book from Eli, who (throughout the movie) was protected in amazing ways from God.. And he opened to find it was written in Braille and he couldn't read it!! Eli who continued on the destination God sent him on, had memorized the Bible and would then translate it for them to rewrite and place in their new library (apocalyptic style…everything was destroyed). The key is…he (Eli) lived it out in everything and trusted in God’s protection (and believe me there was some amazing protection from God portrayed in this movie) - and God took care of him until he accomplished Gods work... the crazy part he was blind!!!! Again even in a secular movie reminding us of the importance of listening to God, living it out and finishing what he calls us to do!
This is what I want my children to see in their parent’s example. I want them to recognize who God is in our lifestyle…our actions - not merely because of words. Let’s face it…even kids can recognize when we talk a good talk vs. our actions speaking.
You may have had a different experience with the movie, thought differently - but I love when God uses anything and everything to teach me! Bring it on God…. I can’t get enough. Do you find yourself seeking God in everything - cause even in the midst of crap - he’s there!!!
6 months is good I think Amber was 13 months B4 i left her with someone, Brooke was 10 months and emily was 9 months =)
ReplyDeleteGod gave us the ablitiy to worry so that we would have a chose to look to him or not! But worry is a good thing as well cause it keeps us in touch with all that goes on around us and helps us to do what we feel God leads us too do! Amber is 13 and I think I worry more about her now then when she was younger just becasue of the lack of values and morals the kids her age today have! And i know that what she does or doesnt do will all be learning experiences for not only her but me, because in order for her to live and learn and know when to turn to God i have to trust in Him myslef and know that what I have instilled in her will prevail, but still doesnt stop the worry! For me worry leads to prayer, it when i dont worry that i dont look to God =)
It is definately a good aspect on worry, there is no doubt in my mind that anything that seems like it could be a 'negative' like worrying is always turned into something great when we focus it back to God!! And that is with anything....
ReplyDeleteI agree though I will always worry but definately takes a load off having the peace that God is in control of everything circumstance!